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to intend

to intend

405 2.8
Plan for someone or something to be used for a particular purpose
  • verb
  • /ɪnˈtɛnd/
translation icon : destinar a
  • It wasn't the cruise we intended to take, but... it was a good thing we got on the wrong boat, because... it changed our lives forever.
  • intended to protect
  • intended to prevent
  • intended audience

It was the one intended for that initiative.

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Examples

  • Support of specific kinds of art is intended to send the message that Americans appreciate Islamic heritage.

    Academic text (2008)
  • The teacher intended her lesson to spark an interest in science among her students.

  • Your uncle always intended to leave the estate to you, but he worried about what you had become.

  • I intend to see that task through to its end.

  • We always intended to ease ourselves into pure research, anyway.

  • The financial aid provided by the state is intended to cover the child's food, clothing, and personal allowance.

    Academic text (2008)
  • The new policy is intended to encourage more students to pursue higher education.

  • He intended to dedicate his book to his mother for her unwavering support.

Synonyms

to mean
vsto intend
1.6

Intend to talk about someone or something

applies more to planning or assigning a future role than to speech intent
to design
vsto intend
481 2.8

To plan with a specific aim in mind

is broader and includes assigning a future role or fate to someone or something
to destine
vsto intend
163 5.7

To decide that someone or something will have a certain future

is more about deliberate planning or assigning future roles than inevitable fate
to designate
vsto intend
  • Formal
124 5.0

To officially choose someone for a job or role

is broader, relating to planning or destiny beyond formal appointment
to specify
vsto intend
  • Specialized
61 3.9

To choose someone for a particular job or role

is broader, covering general intention or destined future rather than fine details
to purpose
vsto intend
4 5.6

To decide or plan to do something

focuses more on choosing a future role or fate than on practical use

How Fixed

to ordain
  • Formal
18 6.9
to intend
405 2.8
to designate
77 4.4
to plan
1.0

Surface Forms

intend infinitive
intended past
intended past participle
intending present participle
intends third person singular

Etymology

Intend comes from the Latin parts in- 'toward' and tendere 'to stretch', and this root is also in words like tend. That's why if something is intended for a person or purpose, it is 'stretched toward' that role — it is designed or meant for it.